Allergies - Tips to treat

Well, It has certianly been a while since my last post. My goal is to get back on track and post a minimum of one article per month. Any encouragement from you guys will help.


With the arrival of spring upon us, pollen, dust, and dander stir in the air and affect millions of Americans in the form of Hay-fever or allergies.

There are many types of over the counter drugs that will relieve some of the symptoms but leave side effects such as drowsiness, reduced coordination, slowed reaction time and impaired judgment. All of which take another arsenal of measures to counter.

One report suggests, “The use of allergy medication can also affect one’s ability to focus on activities by causing dizziness, nervousness, nausea or headaches”. .
These symptoms often affect a persons ability to make it to work and defiantly makes a deciding factor in operating machinery.

So what happens when you face such circumstances?

First, be aware of your condition and make good decisions ahead of time. If you know you will be working, you can plan medications for the night before in order to get a good amount of sleep and perhaps have less problems when you begin your shift.

Some other tips that have been suggested:

· Consider taking medications for only significant allergy attacks.
· Take the smallest dose possible.
· Before taking the medication, read not only the warnings on the outer package, but also the product insert.
· Follow the recommended dosage. Taking “extra doses” may only provide more side effects and not more relief.

At times it makes sense to try methods that don't require medication such as a nety pot. Perhaps you have never heard of this method of using a warm saline solution to “flush” the sinus cavity clean and dry up symptoms of the allergies.

Another non-medication is a menthol steam treatment which can also be purchased over the counter at many pharmacies and local retail stores.

Perhaps high doses of vitamin C will help you “cope” through the day until you have access to other forms of medications. Remember the old Dr. saying, "Get some rest, drink pleanty of water and call me in the morning". Perhaps by utilizing some of these methods you can avoid the call.

The bottom line is to make good choices at the first signs of problems in order to overcome the symptoms as quickly as possible.

Its Water Time...naa naa naa naaaa

Recent research has given a rise to the benefits of the life sustaining substance known as "water". As I delve more into those life events and practices that help us to live a longer and better quality of life, drinking water seems to be the number one factor. You may have heard somewhere that the human body is composed of 60-70 percent water. You can get more facts about the facts of pure water at this link. A few indicators that you are dehydrated include lower back pain, headaches and constipation and/or a strong odor to your urine combined with a yellow or amber color. There are other symptoms as well but perhaps these few will help.

So how much water should a person drink at a time? "Water intoxication" or "hyponatremia", water poisoning results when too much water is ingested. This is most often the case when most of the electrolytes are flushed out of the body in a short period of time. The NYTimes has an story about water intoxication you might find interesting. Drowning is another example of too much water. Having learned this fact first hand I can verify the results as, ummm...less than desirable.

The International Bottled Water Association has a hydration calculator to help you find out how much you need. Another resource for how much to drink from ask.com suggests, "take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day."

If you like the topics here you can find a supplement about quick and easy steps to help you get move to a more productive life called "Take Action Now".

Don't look at me in that tone of voice!

Are you tired all the time? Stressed? Conflicted? Troubled or in turmoil? Aside from physical and/or mental therapy you might find that the starting point is all about attitude. Attitude will determine your outlook on life. Your outlook on life will determine your interaction with others. The link can go on ad nauseam. As a case in study, what is the life of a "typical" teen like? Ah, now don't get offended and ask why I would pick on the teen years? Consider that these years are possibly the most conflicted ages of a persons life. Sure, there are conflicts in every age and social situation and perhaps those can be addressed in another forum.

If you ask your familiar teen about their crowd, the most common response you receive touts the idea that they are unique individuals. "I don't follow the crowd," or "I am my own person." Often these statements could be followed by something that has to do with the mall or at least shopping in order to find something to wear that will help or make them fit in. If these remarks don't immediately lead to a heated debate you might at the very least get "the glare". The ultimate outward sign of ATTITUDE. Some may call it the evil eye.

Is there anything wrong with fitting in? Not at all. Society is built on the idea of conformity and each individual has his/her sub-cultural preference. The infamous question begs to be asked then, "Why can't we all just get along?" Without debating conflict resolution lets focus on self. You know; that inward view of life and your own concepts of what it should hold.

But will a look at yourself make you feel better? The answer lies in the action (or lack of action) that follows. Self reflection and POSITIVE action yields greater rewards than any medicated life could hope to offer. This is an easy exercise. Notice I didn't say simple? Take ten minutes of self reflection and proper breathing each day. If you do this with a sincere attitude you will seem to magically feel better and have a better outlook on life in just a few short weeks. This is just the next step in this never ending quest for a better life. And don't forget the first principles of clean air and fresh water to cleans your body and boost the spirits.